At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of mechanical equipment for nuclear projects and ensure safety and efficiency.
- Company: Join AtkinsRéalis, a leader in civil and defence engineering with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, flexible working, and tailored health and wellbeing benefits.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in fighting climate change while advancing your engineering career.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical engineering, especially in the UK nuclear defence industry.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Apply for Mechanical Engineer – Nuclear (Civil & Defence) at AtkinsRéalis in Derby, ENG, GB. This full‑time on‑site position offers great opportunities for career growth.
Are you an experienced Mechanical Engineer who is passionate about making the world a better place? Do you thrive in collaborative, creative environments and want to help fight climate change? We are looking for experienced Mechanical Engineers to expand and grow our Derby office to meet increasing client demand in the region. As a member of our team you will work on a diverse and challenging range of complex projects for our clients, with opportunities to work within AtkinsRéalis design teams or directly with clients by being embedded into their major programmes. Whether you have breadth of experience across different markets or depth in Nuclear, we have opportunities to ignite your career and take your skills to the next level.
Your role: You will take responsibility for leading the design and substantiation of mechanical equipment to the highest standards of safety, quality and efficiency. Your core work will involve enabling the continued operation and life extension of our UK fleet of nuclear power stations and nuclear‑powered submarines. You will also support our Power New Build business (Hinkley Point C, Sizewell C and Small Modular Reactors), Fusion Energy reactors and our Decommissioning business (safe dismantling, processing and packaging of nuclear waste at Sellafield and across the UK’s decommissioning power stations and nuclear‑powered submarines). Your tasks include managing timescales, solving problems, providing guidance to junior engineers, delivering design and substantiation projects at all stages of the lifecycle, and interacting with stakeholders at all levels both internally and externally.
About you: You are calm in complex environments, collaborative and good at building strong relationships. You can juggle priorities, solve problems as they arise and keep projects moving. You have experience working with engineering tools to design and substantiate mechanical equipment such as mechanical handling systems, machinery, test rigs or mechanical components. You understand how to deliver complex engineering projects through a structured design process, ensuring right‑first‑time solutions to the client within time, cost and quality constraints. You have worked in the UK nuclear defence industry and are motivated to continue developing your skills and contribute to critical UK nuclear (civil and defence) programmes.
Rewards & Benefits: Competitive salaries, employee rewards and a range of benefits tailored to health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Opportunities for training and professional development are available to grow your skills. Hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances help balance a great job with a fulfilling personal life.
Security clearance: This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK for five years or longer. If applying to this role, please do not reference or include details of any current or previously held security clearance in your application or CV.
Equal Opportunity & Inclusion: As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to offering an interview to all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria.
Mechanical Engineer – Nuclear (Civil & Defence) at AtkinsRéalis employer: AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, particularly in the dynamic field of environmental consultancy. Located in London, our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and sustainability, providing team members with the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects while working alongside industry experts. We are committed to supporting your journey towards chartership and offer a range of benefits that enhance work-life balance and professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Engineer – Nuclear (Civil & Defence) at AtkinsRéalis
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like AtkinsRéalis.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like AtkinsRéalis love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of AtkinsRéalis and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Engineer – Nuclear (Civil & Defence) at AtkinsRéalis
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for AtkinsRéalis and the Mechanical Engineer – Nuclear (Civil & Defence) at AtkinsRéalis role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at AtkinsRéalis
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at AtkinsRéalis.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at AtkinsRéalis.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with AtkinsRéalis, making you a more appealing candidate.
